Thames Water have apologised for “any inconvenience caused” after hundreds of lorries were forced to u-turn or turn into residential streets following a lane closure in Holloway Road.

The southbound lane of Holloway Road, feeding into the Highbury corner roundabout, was closed to traffic over the weekend and is expected to remain closed until lunchtime on Thursday.

Thames Water are currently installing equipment under the road to better monitor its pipe network.

Meg Howarth, a local resident and cycle campaigner, said she was “appalled” to see dozens of lorries turning into residential streets because of the road closure.

Daniel Sandford, the BBC’s Home Affair’s correspondent who lives near by, said on Twitter that it was “absolutely inappropriate and terribly thought through” that lorries were being diverted down residential streets.

He pointed out how heavy lorries were going down Digswell Street despite weight restrictions.

A Thames Water spokeswoman said: “We’re working with TfL to make details of the road closure clearer for drivers to help minimise traffic disruption. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused, and will continue to monitor the situation to alleviate any issues quickly.”